The South West region remains in shock following the disappearance of 28 individuals, including 10 women and 8 children, in what appears to be a sinister abduction orchestrated by a separatist group.
The distressing incident unfolded at the Catholic Church Bai Panya, where victims were forcibly taken at gunpoint by assailants claiming allegiance to the “Al-Qaeda squad of Meme,” led by a figure identified as “Lucipher.”
In a chilling video, one of the perpetrators linked the abduction to the upcoming 2025 elections, suggesting that the victims were targeted to facilitate the acquisition of birth certificates for Identity Card issuance.
The situation escalated when Lucipher ominously hinted at the fate of those abducted, stating, “if those in his keeping are not seen, then it should be known he has killed them,” raising concerns for their safety.
Amidst the turmoil, the importance of possessing a birth certificate comes into focus. While not explicitly recognized as a human right by international standards, the possession of a birth certificate is paramount for establishing identity and accessing essential services.
“The separatist group’s actions flagrantly violate the right to identity of the victims,” remarked a social media commentator, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Recent incidents have revealed the significance of National Identity Cards in separatist circles, often recovered during military raids on their bases. Ama’a (pseudonym), who fled from the North West Region to Douala, recounted how his ID facilitated his escape.
“Depriving people of birth certificates is no longer a struggle,” Ama’a remarked, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of the conflict.
The absence of birth certificates among children is impeding their access to education and vital social services, exacerbating an already dire situation. This glaring issue comes to the forefront following a ruthless attack on innocent civilians, a senseless act compounded by the fact that even the perpetrators, the separatists, possess these essential documents.
